If You Want the Future, Be in India: PM Modi

• PM Modi says India and its 140 crore citizens share one goal — Viksit Bharat
• Global leaders see India as key driver of the emerging world order
• Highlights digital payments, energy security and next-generation reforms
• Assures efforts to protect farmers and citizens from global crises

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th March: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and its 140 crore citizens are united in their resolve to build a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), asserting that the country is not merely progressing but moving decisively to the “next level” of growth and global leadership.

Addressing the iTV Network’s NXT Summit, the Prime Minister drew a parallel between the historic Dandi March of 1930 and India’s present journey towards becoming a developed nation.

“Nearly 100 years after that historic march, we Indians have once again begun a new journey — the journey towards Viksit Bharat,” Modi said.

He noted that despite global conflicts, supply chain disruptions and economic challenges, India continues to inspire confidence among world leaders and global experts.

“Today, if you want to be part of the future, you have to be associated with India and you have to be in India,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting India’s growing global stature, Modi referred to comments from international leaders who see India playing a decisive role in shaping the emerging global order. He said the world now views India as a driver of economic growth and stability, particularly for the Global South.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the rising aspirations of Indian citizens, saying the public today follows the country’s economic progress with the same enthusiasm as a cricket match.

“Just as people track a T20 World Cup score, they now want a running commentary on India’s development,” he said.

Modi said India has moved into a new phase of transformation driven by digital infrastructure, reforms and innovation. He highlighted the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), noting that India now leads the world in real-time digital transactions.

He also referred to major structural reforms undertaken in the past decade, including financial inclusion through Jan Dhan accounts, the abrogation of Article 370, and the law providing 33 percent reservation for women in legislatures.

According to the Prime Minister, India is also entering advanced technological frontiers through initiatives such as space missions, semiconductor development and quantum technology programmes.

Modi stressed that India’s progress is being driven not just by aspirations but by concrete implementation of policies and reforms.

“India is not just progressing; India is moving to the next level,” he said.

Addressing concerns arising from global conflicts and energy disruptions, the Prime Minister said the government is taking continuous measures to protect citizens and farmers from the impact of global crises.

He said India is strengthening its energy security through a mix of domestic infrastructure expansion and reduced dependency on imports.

The Prime Minister highlighted that LPG connections in India have increased from 14 crore in 2014 to around 33 crore today, while the country’s gas pipeline network has expanded from 3,500 kilometres to over 10,000 kilometres.

He also noted the rapid growth of renewable energy, with India’s installed renewable capacity crossing 250 gigawatts, and solar power capacity increasing sharply over the past decade.

Modi said initiatives such as ethanol blending, city gas distribution networks and strategic petroleum reserves are helping India reduce its dependence on imported fuel while strengthening energy resilience.

The Prime Minister also urged political parties, media and industry leaders to work together in the national interest, particularly during global uncertainties.

Calling for vigilance against misinformation and black marketing, he asked authorities to closely monitor markets and take strict action against those trying to exploit crises.

Concluding his address, Modi expressed confidence that the collective strength and resilience of India’s citizens would help the country overcome global challenges and achieve the vision of a self-reliant and developed India.